Better, Bolder and Safer than its precursor, the Decompression 02 is the functional and usability evolution of the widely acclaimed Bühlmann Decompression 01 first introduced in 2021. It is the first mechanical dive watch to feature a twin safety diving bezel and a twin decompression stops dial to safely manage decompression stops for dives in the "Golden Zone".
The foundations of modern dive safety were laid by Prof. Albert A. Bühlmann, whose pioneering research from the late 1950s to the 1980s resulted in the ZH-L16 decompression algorithm, a model still employed by most dive computers and tables today. Bühlmann's work was revolutionary for its completeness, as it addressed decompression at sea level and at altitude, thereby creating a model applicable to the full range of diving environments.
Bolder
Bühlmann Decompression 02 with Druckkamer blue dial
As a young engineer and an enthusiastic diving instructor, deeply interested in decompression research, it has been an outstanding experience to work with Dr. Bühlmann as a research associate, a programmer and a test diver. The Bühlmann Decompression 02 is a marvellous piece of micro-machinery and Swiss precision. It reflects in noble form Prof. Bühlmann’s endeavour to enhance the safety of all divers worldwide, now and in the future.
Beat A. Müller, MSc Mech. Eng. ETH and former member of the Bühlmann Research Team at the University Hospital of Zürich
Better
The Twin Safety Bezel of the Bühlmann Decompression 02
“My father always believed that science should serve safety. I am proud to witness his groundbreaking work embodied in this exquisite mechanical instrument — and supporting DAN Europe's research — a true continuation of his life's mission.”
Thomas Bühlmann, board member Bühlmann Dive Watches
Safer
The decompression data appears in the opening at 6 o'clock. In this example the data for a dive to 36m depth with a 30min bottom time
The fly-no-fly indicator. When the triangle points to green it is safe to fly. When it points to red it is unsafe to fly.
The three crowns of the Bühlmann Decompression 02. They allow to set time, set the dive profile and to operate the Twin Safety Bezel.
“The Decompression 02 was designed to complement dive computers, not to compete with them. It's the mechanical expression of scientific rigour and a limited edition collectible which embodies true Swiss craftsmanship. We built it the way it had to be built: with no concessions to established dive watch design conventions.
Guido Benedini, CEO, Bühlmann Watches
Honouring a common Legacy: DAN Europe Research and Bühlmann Dive Watches.
The Bühlmann Watches and DAN Research partnership - The quest for the perfect decompression algorithm
”Working with Prof. Bühlmann was instrumental in shaping the early stages of my career. At DAN Europe, I am pursuing that mission alongside our research and medical team, evolving universal algorithms into personalised decompression strategies. This watch honours that legacy while supporting vital research that is shaping the future of dive safety.
Prof. Alessandro Marroni, Founder and President, DAN Europe
Technical Features
- Legacy-based design and usability: Inspired by Bühlmann’s original circular decompression calculator with "Golden Zone" logic: 17 most frequent dive profiles and a "fly-no-fly" segment
- Twin Safety Bezel®: Two counterrotating bezels for total dive time (clockwise block) and deco time (counterclockwise block)
- Twin Decompression Dial®: Two dials with a rotating sub-dial featuring the ZH-L16 decompression data, visible through a sapphire opening
- XXL minute hand: Enhanced readability for timing decompression stops, total dive time and bottom time
- Minimalist hour hand: Keeps visual focus on minutes during dives
- 5° case inclination: Improves underwater legibility
- Helium valve: to prevent damaging the watch after prolonged stays in mixed gas pressurised atmospheres
- Flexible strap joint: Adapts the watch to all wrist sizes for maximum fit and comfort
- Detachable Strap extension: providing the extra length to wear the watch over your wetsuit
- Concave case back: for extra wear comfort
- 575m water-resistance: a depth that matches Bühlmann's own hyperbaric record and the necessary water-resistance with a sufficient safety margin for diving in the "Golden Zone"
- Special dive box: a unqiue box for that special gift and a practical box to travel with the watch
- Swiss made: a guarantee of horological quality, manufacturing standards and manufacturing sustainability
Prices, edition and sales information
About DAN Europe
DAN Europe (Divers Alert Network Europe) is an international non-profit medical and research organisation dedicated to diver health and safety. Since 1983, DAN Europe has offered medical assistance, scientific research, education, and safety initiatives, while also advocating for environmental responsibility and sustainable diving practices.
About Bühlmann Dive Watches
Bühlmann Dive Watches is the brainchild of Thomas Bühlmann, the son of Dr. Albert Bühlmann. The Swiss maison manufactures meaningful and distinctive mechanical diving watches for serious divers. They integrate Dr. A. Bühlmann's decompression algorithms and his dive safety vision in design, usability and functionalities. By wearing a Bühlmann, divers signal their commitment to science, the pursuit of safer diving for all and horological ingenuity. The brand is operated by the parent company of the Watch Angels platform, GFF Suisse SA.
About Watch Angels
Watch Angels is a brand of GFF Suisse SA, a leading Swiss watch manufacturer based in Mendrisio, Switzerland. It has developed the crowd manufacturing system and operates the watchangels.ch platform and collector community. On Watch Angels the watch enthusiasts community can discover and fund meaningful watch projects by independent watch brands.
